In the Farmers Market Ontario® Impact Study 2009 Report, we found out just how important it is for farmers' market shoppers to know they're buying directly from bona fide local farmers.

A full 93% of them rated it as "important" and 67% rated it as "very important."

Not only are they seeking freshness (77%), but they want to support local farmers (69%).

They assumed all farmers' market vendors were
local

Apply today for MyPick® Verified Local
Farmer® status so shoppers know who
the real farmers are.

The MyPick® Verified Local Farmer® logo was developed to identify
the real stars of Ontario farmers' markets: bona fide local
farmers selling only what they grow, raise or otherwise produce
on their farms. The MyPick® program will level the playing
field so consumers will know which vendors are which: authentic
local farmers or resellers of cheap food terminal sell–offs.

2017 CHANGES TO MYPICK® VERIFIED LOCAL FARMER® PROGRAM:In order to maintain its sustainability, Farmers' Markets Ontario has implemented an annual membership/verification fee.

Savour Ottawa/MyPick® member: Farmers' Market Ontario® partners with Savour Ottawa at Just Food to serve producers in the City of Ottawa, and surrounding counties in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. All producers interested in being a part of the MyPick® program are to be processed through Savour Ottawa. No additional fees are required by Savour Ottawa producers, as the Savour Ottawa program has decided to cover the increase in FMO fees through its existing program.

What you get:Click
here to see all the MyPick® materials you'll receive.

Eligibility: All conventional and
organic growers and producers in Ontario may apply and must
submit a list of all the produce/products they intend to sell,
indicating when these items will be available for market. Click
here for detailed eligibility criteria.

Farm
inspections: All farms will be visited by an independent farm
inspector hired by FMO and there will be zero tolerance for the
reselling of products not grown by the vendor. Inspections will
be repeated yearly. The application form includes farm identity
through the FBR system, number of acres per crop, land base
verified by municipal tax assessments and/or rental agreements,
and expenses related to farm supply purchases. This will establish
that the farm is a bona fide operation and items sold are consistent
with the number of acres proposed. Where a farm has certification with
an organization such as LFP, OCPP or OCIA, that certification
will be recognized by FMO.

To apply:Click
here to apply online. An
email address is required to submit your application on-line.
If you don't have an email address, please call 1-800-387-3276
to receive a paper application by Canada Post.